The encyclopedia of country music : the ultimate guide to the music

Immediately upon publication in 1998, the __Encyclopedia of Country Music__ became a much-loved reference source, prized for the wealth of information it contained on that most American of musical genres. Countless fans have used it as the source for answers to questions about everything from country's first commercially successful recording, to the genre's pioneering music videos, to what __conjunto__ music is. This thoroughly revised new edition includes more than 1,200 A-Z entries covering nine decades of history and artistry, from the Carter Family recordings of the 1920s to the reign of Taylor Swift in the first decade of the twenty-first century. Compiled by a team of experts at the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum, the encyclopedia has been brought completely up-to-date, with new entries on the artists who have profoundly influenced country music in recent years, such as the Dixie Chicks and Keith Urban. The new edition also explores the latest and most critical trends within the industry, shedding light on such topics as the digital revolution, the shifting politics of country music, and the impact of __American Idol__ (reflected in the stardom of Carrie Underwood). Other essays cover the literature of country music, the importance of Nashville as a music center, and the colorful outfits that have long been a staple of the genre.The volume features hundreds of images, including a photo essay of album covers; a foreword by country music superstar Vince Gill (the winner of twenty Grammy Awards); and twelve fascinating appendices, ranging from lists of awards to the best-selling country albums of all time.Winner of the Best Reference Award from the Popular Culture Association"Any serious country music fan will treasure this authoritative book."--__The Seattle Times__"A long-awaited, major accomplishment, which educators, historians and students, broadcasters and music writers, artists and fans alike, will welcome and enjoy."--__The Nashville Musician__"Should prove a valuable resource to those who work in the country music business. But it's also an entertaining read for the music's true fans."--__Houston Chronicle__"This big, handsome volume spans the history of country music, listing not only artists and groups but also important individuals and institutions."--__San Francisco Examiner__"Promises to be the definitive historical and biographical work on the past eight decades of country music. Well written and heavily illustratedan unparalleled work, worth its price and highly recommended."--__Library Journal__ Immediately upon publication in 1998, the Encyclopedia of Country Music became a much-loved reference source, prized for the wealth of information it contained on that most American of musical genres. Countless fans have used it as the source for answers to questions about everything from country's first commercially successful recording, to the genre's pioneering music videos, to what conjunto music is. This thoroughly revised new edition includes more than 1,200 A-Z entries covering nine decades of history and artistry, from the Carter Family recordings of the 1920s to the reign of Taylor Swift in the first decade of the twenty-first century. Compiled by a team of experts at the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum, the encyclopedia has been brought completely up-to-date, with new entries on the artists who have profoundly influenced country music in recent years, such as the Dixie Chicks and Keith Urban. The new edition also explores the latest and most critical trends within the industry, shedding light on such topics as the digital revolution, the shifting politics of country music, and the impact of American Idol (reflected in the stardom of Carrie Underwood). Other essays cover the literature of country music, the importance of Nashville as a music center, and the colorful outfits that have long been a staple of the genre. The volume features hundreds of images, including a photo essay of album covers; a foreword by country music superstar Vince Gill (the winner of twenty Grammy Awards); and twelve fascinating appendices, ranging from lists of awards to the best-selling country albums of all time. Winner of the Best Reference Award from the Popular Culture Association "Any serious country music fan will treasure this authoritative book." -- The Seattle Times "A long-awaited, major accomplishment, which educators, historians and students, broadcasters and music writers, artists and fans alike, will welcome and enjoy." -- The Nashville Musician "Should prove a valuable resource to those who work in the country music business. But it's also an entertaining read for the music's true fans." -- Houston Chronicle "This big, handsome volume spans the history of country music, listing not only artists and groups but also important individuals and institutions." -- San Francisco Examiner "Promises to be the definitive historical and biographical work on the past eight decades of country music. Well written and heavily illustratedan unparalleled work, worth its price and highly recommended." -- Library Journal Covers The Important Figures, Trends, And Forms Of Country Music Throughout Its History--from The Carter Family Of The 1920s To Taylor Swift And Keith Urban Today. Forward / Vince Gill -- Introduction -- The Entries, A-z -- Essay Articles. The Look Of Country: The Colorful History Of Country Music Costuming / Holly George-warren -- The Folk And Popular Roots Of Country Music / Norm Cohen -- The Gospel Truth: Christianity And Country Music / Bill C. Malone -- Extra! Read All About It!: The Literature Of Country Music / Nolan Porterfield -- Country Music As Music / Bill Evans -- The Center Of Music City: Nashville's Music Row / John Lomax Iii -- The Talking Machine: How Records Shaped Country Music / Colin Escott -- It All Begins With A Song: A Brief History Of Country Songwriting / Walter Carter -- The South And Country Music / Bill C. Malone -- From Schoolhouse To Arenas: A History Of Country Music Touring / Ronnie Pugh -- The Fightin' Side Of Me: The Politics Of Country Music / Chris Willman -- Twenty Years Of Change: Music's Digital Transformation / David M. Ross -- The Sound Seen: Country Album Cover Art -- Appendices. Compiled By The Staff Of The Country Music Hall Of Fame And Museum ; Edited By Paul Kingsbury, Michael Mccall, And John W. Rumble ; With The Assistance Of Michael Gray And Jay Orr. Includes Discographies. "This thoroughly revised new edition includes more than 1,200 A-Z entries covering nine decades of history and artistry, from the Carter Family recordings of the 1920s to the reign of Taylor Swift in the first decade of the twenty-first century. Compiled by a team of experts at the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum, the encyclopedia has been brought completely up-to-date, with new entries on the artists who have profoundly influenced country music in recent years, such as the Dixie Chicks and Keith Urban. The new edition also explores the latest and most critical trends within the industry, shedding light on such topics as the digital revolution, the shifting politics of country music, and the impact of American Idol (reflected in the stardom of Carrie Underwood). Other essays cover the literature of country music, the importance of Nashville as a music center, and the colorful outfits that have long been a staple of the genre. The volume features hundreds of images, including a photo essay of album covers; a foreword by country music superstar Vince Gill (the winner of twenty Grammy Awards); and twelve fascinating appendices, ranging from lists of awards to the best-selling country albums of all time." --Amazon Content: Foreword by Vince Gill Introduction Acknowledgments The Encyclopedia of Country Music Essay Articles Special photographic section: Country Album Cover Art Appendices Contributors